Future Skippers Start Safe

Unlike most industries, where children are separated from their parents' work, children in Alaska's fishing communities are part of the working waterfront.They play on docks, fish and live alongside their families aboard vessels, and spend countless hours in skiffs and on the water.

For those of us who grew up in fishing families, some of our fondest memories were made there. We remember our parents turning us loose in the harbor with a bucket and a fishing pole while they loaded groceries, repaired gear, or caught up with other fishermen. We remember the pride of being trusted to help on deck for the first time or being handed the tiller of a skiff.

Most Americans would find this lifestyle unconventional, but for fishing families this is considered a normal part of the family business. Families work together, and memories, traditions, and knowledge are passed from one generation to the next. Children grow up learning not only how to navigate the water, but how to become capable members of their fishing communities. It's not uncommon to encounter children who can tie a bowline and drive a skiff with the confidence of an old salt!

Alaska’s Waters Can Be Dangerous - Life Jackets Save Lives

Life on the water comes with real risks. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 - 4, and Alaska has the highest rate in the country for deaths as a result of drowning adjusted for age (4.4 deaths per 100,000 residents). These statistics reflect the reality that many Alaskans, including children, spend significant time on and around the water.

Alaska's cold waters make those risks even greater. Sudden immersion can trigger involuntary gasping, rapid loss of muscle control, and unconsciousness, greatly increasing the risk of drowning.

The good news is that many of these tragedies are preventable. A properly fitted life jacket is one of the most effective tools for preventing drowning and reducing cold-water immersion injuries. By keeping a person's head above water, conserving energy, and improving visibility for rescuers, life jackets can make the difference between life and death.

Life Jackets Can Be Cost Prohibitive 

Parents raising children on the water understand the risks. Many fishing families have experienced close calls or lost loved ones. As a result, life jackets are a non-negotiable part of life on the working waterfront.

Unfortunately, rising operating costs, increasing household expenses, and limited availability in many coastal communities can make purchasing new or replacing outgrown life jackets difficult. As a result, some children are wearing life jackets that no longer fit properly, while others may go without one until their family can afford a replacement.

No child should be without a properly fitted life jacket because of cost. Ensuring children have access to this essential safety equipment is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent injury.

AMCC Launches the Safe Fishing Families Initiative in Homer

At AMCC, we believe the future of Alaska's fishing communities depends on children growing up safely on the water.

With generous support from the Opportunity Fund at the Homer Foundation, and in partnership with Alaska Boats & Permits and the Homer Charter Association, AMCC launched the Safe Fishing Families Initiative in Homer this July.

Through this pilot program, more than 100 U.S. Coast Guard-approved child and youth life jackets are being provided at no cost to Homer fishing families. By removing the financial barrier to this essential safety equipment, the program helps ensure children can continue to safely work, live, and learn alongside their families on the water.

AMCC is proud to launch this effort in Homer and hopes to expand it to fishing communities across Alaska in the years ahead.

Free child and youth life jackets are now available for pickup at Alaska Boats & Permits, located at 3808 Ben Walters Lane in Homer, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.